KLIA gripped by system outage

The temporary disruptions have caused 20 departing flights delayed

by RAHIMI YUNUS/ pic by BERNAMA

THE Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) suffered major disruptions yesterday as a system glitch struck the country’s main terminal check-in counters, baggage handling and credit card payments, with outbound flights and thousands of passengers affected.

As at 8pm, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the systems at the terminal have not fully stabilised.

“The team will work around the clock in order to rectify the situation. The solutions that are being employed include the replacement of hardware equipment,” the airport operator said in a statement.

MAHB said the company was scheduled to perform tests on the equipment last night.

“We hope to be able to resolve the situation by tomorrow (this) morning,” it added.

The temporary disruptions had caused 20 departing flights delayed.

The flights included Malaysia Airlines to London-Heathrow, Sydney, and Jakarta; Emirates to Dubai; Bangkok Airways to Koh Samui; and Malindo Air to Perth, Singapore and Denpasar.

Passengers were advised to arrive at the airport four hours before departure time and encouraged to check-in via the respective airlines’ mobile app or website.

Affected airlines responded to the situation by updating their passengers on latest developments of the situation.

Credit card transactions at retail and food and beverage outlets at the terminal were also affected.

Passengers were urged to use cash instead.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this disruption. Please be assured that we are sparing no efforts to provide assistance to passengers and airlines,” MAHB said in an earlier statement yesterday.

Social media users expressed their grouses on long queues, crowded check-in areas, and confusion over bags and boarding gates.

Initially, MAHB deployed about 500 staff to assist passengers on the ground before adding another 500 employees.

Meanwhile, MAHB said all the critical passenger-facing systems at the second terminal KLIA2, including the flight information display systems, are fully functioning.

The media reported that Transport Minister Anthony Loke had asked the group’s management to provide clarification on the system malfunction.

Earlier, MAHB said all relevant stakeholders such as the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia and airlines’ representatives including the Airline Operators Committee chairman have been briefed on the latest progress updates and mitigation plans.